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Of the ten legal holidays in the state of Mississippi, only one, June 3, honors the memory of a native son or daughter. This date represents the birthday of Jefferson Davis, considered by many to be the state?s most notable citizen.
Although Davis is generally identified with the cause of the Confederacy, his heroic service to the Union in the Mexican War, his exemplary leadership as secretary of war under President Franklin Pierce and as a distinguished congressman and United States senator should not be overlooked. In addition to performing as a principal actor in some of the most memorable episodes of the nation?s history, Jefferson Davis, through his courage, intellect, dignity, devotion to duty, and willingness to sacrifice, provided an outstanding model for his fellow citizens.
This portfolio of twelve portraits depicting various phases of Jefferson Davis?s life has been published by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History in commemoration of the 175th anniversary of Davis?s birth. It contains pictures from the collections of the National Portrait Gallery, the Library of Congress, Davis?s home Beauvoir, and the Department of Archives and History.
It is our hope that the portraits in this collection will serve to stimulate desire for a deeper understanding of this unique man whose life and work should not be forgotten.
Elbert R. Hilliard
Director
Mississippi Department of Archives and History